Roma and Juventus kicked off the second phase of Serie A Women with impressive wins over Fiorentina and Milan respectively.
The Giallorosse and Bianconere finished the first phase of the season at the top of the table and they’ve managed to maintain this momentum in their chase of the Scudetto.
With only five clubs fighting for the league title in the second phase, Inter were the one team to sit out for the first weekend, allowing them to keep a close eye on their next opponents, Juventus.
Fiorentina 1-5 Roma: The Scudetto charge continues
Roma have looked the strongest in Serie A Women this season, being the only Italian side to reach the knock-out stages of the Champions League, and they showed all their qualities in their thrilling 5-1 win over Fiorentina.
The Giallorosse found three goals within the first 30 minutes of the clash, with Valentina Giacinti scoring two and Manuela Giugliano netting one of her own. The Viola clearly struggled to keep pace with the Roman side and conceded a fourth just after half time, when Carina Wenninger put herself on the score sheet.
Fiorentina’s Alexandra Johannsdottir picked up a consolation goal in the 51st minute but it meant little, especially after Benedetta Glionna scored Roma’s fifth in the 77th minute.
It was another commanding win from Alessandro Spugna’s Roma, allowing them to maintain their eight-point lead over second place Juventus.
Juventus 2-0 Milan: The chase is on
Juventus have won the last five consecutive Scudetti but now look at risk of handing the title to Roma, leaving them on the backfoot heading into the second phase. The Bianconere cannot afford to drop points as they work to stay hot on the heels of the league leaders and they didn’t disappoint against Milan.
The Rossonere put up a strong fight in Turin, staying in the game for the entirety of the 90 minutes and forcing the hosts to work hard to find all three points.
Lineth Beerensteyn finally found a breakthrough for Juventus in the 55th minute after making an incredible run from the wing, allowing her to dart inside the box to place the shot past Laura Giuliani.
A sloppy foul on Beerensteyn in the dying minutes of the match saw the Bianconere win a penalty, which Arianna Caruso calmy dispatched, securing all three points in a testy clash.
What’s next?
Scudetto hopefuls Roma will be given a rest next weekend, allowing them to recharge their batteries after a difficult Champions League knock-out clash with European giants Barcelona.
Inter host Juventus in the first Derby d’Italia of the second phase, which kicks off at 13.30 UK time on Saturday March 25. The Nerazzurre held the Bianconere to a tense 3-3 draw in their first meeting this season but fell 2-0 at home in the return clash, so they’ll be hungry to take revenge.
Fiorentina travel to Milan in search of a win on Sunday March 26 at 13.30. The Viola flew to an electric 3-1 win away to the Rossoneri back in August but then collapsed in a 6-1 loss in November, so they’ll be looking to repeat the performance seen in the summer as they work to climb up the table.